CaughtOffside report that the 32-year-old is unlikely to remain at AC Milan beyond this summer and is more than likely to return to England, a country where he won a host of trophies with Chelsea between 2005 and 2014.

Essien has been restricted to just 13 appearances for Pippo Inzaghi’s side this season, despite Milan’s incredibly poor form which has seen them slump to mid-table.

His contract expires at the end of the season and barring a miracle will not be renewed, drawing to a close his 18 months with the Rossoneri.

However, his nine-year stint at Stamford Bridge certainly seems to have afforded him a number of admirers, even if his forms hasn’t exactly been vintage in recent months.

He would no doubt provide vital experience to a fledgling Watford side who haven’t tasted Premier League football since 2007.